Retro SFF: ITX-Llama is a Brand New DOS/Win98 Retro PC With AGP, OPL3, WAV Header, and Adjustable CPU Performance – SFF.Network Leave a comment

 

If you happen to’re into retro gaming, then I’ve some actually thrilling information for you. Eivind Bohler has put collectively a contemporary ITX board utilizing a Vortex X86 System on Module processor bundle that has been designed to verify off each field you would presumably have to play old-fashioned video games.

• Adjustable processor pace for the whole lot from Wing Commander  to Quake 3.
  • Cache will be disabled.
  • Pace will be set between 100 to 500 MHz
  • Makes use of the Vortex86EX System on Module
  •  The SOM gives efficiency equivalence as much as a Pentium 233MHz MMX
• 128MB of RAM on the Vortex module.
• AGP Slot good for a 3DFX Voodoo3
• SD to IDE card adapter on the board for quick storage full with arduous drive click on simulator that may be disabled.
• Crystal sound chip with each a small sized WAV header or 40-pin Rasberry PI based mostly MIDI playback.
  • The crystal chip gives SB Professional 2, Adlib and WSS options
• Elective true Yamaha OPL3 module.
• Full Ethernet help.
• Hayes appropriate modem emulator that works over Wi-Fi
• Each trendy and interval correct rear ports.
• DOS and Home windows 98 Suitable.

Bohler goes by all the options on this video:

 

Moreover, he has a devoted thread on Vogons discussion board. CLICK HERE for that thread.

A gaggle purchase curiosity kind is up on the Llama Board Discord. https://discord.gg/YN3XkycAXG

This board is just about the holy grail of those that have endeavored to construct an ITX sized retro PC; myself included. Up till now, you would wish to search for industrial boards that have been by no means meant for video games. If you happen to may discover one that might work, it was nonetheless lacking sufficient slots that full audio help was questionable, and none had AGP help. Nevertheless, the Llama ITX fixes all of those points.

…now if I can discover an AGP riser cable appropriate with trendy sandwich circumstances I can have my dream retro PC.

I’m already planning on ordering one or two of those boards. As with all small batch orders there’s all the time a threat of worth creep and delays. SFFN regulars must be acquainted with this.

My deliberate construct for that is:

• Densium 4 Case
• OPL3 Module
• DreamBlaster X2GS WAV module
• Voodoo3 3500 AGP

I have already got a number of classic CRT displays I can use for show. If you happen to don’t although, a RetroTink 4K may very well be the reply for scaling these.

The very best half is that early pricing signifies that the ITX-Llama board will solely be about $300. The Vortex SOM will likely be about $70, and the OPL3 board will likely be about $30.

I traded Discord messages with DesertPanther, who’s at present constructing an official retailer web page. He offered a brief Q and A for potential patrons.

 

1. Are planning handy solder the CS4237B and D1 ESP8266?

      – Sure, the plan is to purchase these individually, ship them to JLCPCB and allow them to solder them by their “consignment” course of.

2. Is there an FAQ web page of us can go to to be taught extra in regards to the group purchase?

      – Not but, I’m going to arrange a Shopify web site tonight and can embrace that.

3. How a lot are you aspiring to cost per board?

– I’m making an attempt to get the value right down to round $300.

4. When are you planning to shut the group purchase and/or order the boards?

– The curiosity gathering kind will likely be closed at a while tomorrow, and I’ll announce the following section which is putting the deposits. Folks will nonetheless be capable of purchase till we place the order in both early or mid-November.

5. When do you anticipate delivery the boards to group purchase members?

– I intend to get the boards shipped to patrons in early December to allow them to take pleasure in enjoying with the board throughout the Christmas season!

6. What about deposits?

– A bit in regards to the deposits: these will likely be non-refundable to bind the members into really shopping for the boards, it should additionally cowl a “testing” section the place we’ll purchase just a few boards as samples or prototypes to make sure that the whole lot is okay.

7. How a lot will the OPL3 module price?

       – The OPL3 module will likely be round $30

8. How a lot will the Vortex SOM price?

       – The SOM will likely be round $70

 

You may take a look at two movies by James Mackenzie who constructed up an ITX-Llama construct with the hyperlinks beneath.

 

 

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